A drop in the price of crude these days is nowhere near as painful as it used to be, because most of the Gulf Cooperation Council states have diversified away from hydrocarbons

Many of the big regional energy producers retain strong credit ratings as they boost their borrowing. How the money is spent will determine the wisdom of each approach.

Analysts say Europe-Asia trade could become faster and cheaper if cargo ships use the North-East Arctic Passage as an alternative to the Red Sea, but there are problems to overcome.

The immediate economic impact will be more uncertainty

Iran's vast oil and strategic mineral reserves have moved to the centre of negotiations with the US, which could reshape Trump's calculus

Rising bullion prices, volatile currency markets, and renewed debate over US monetary strategy reflect deepening doubts about Washington's stewardship of the global financial system

Unsustainable defence spending is causing problems beyond the industry itself. As the war in Ukraine rages on, growth has slowed sharply, and few good options remain, as recession and stagnation loom.

Half of all child refugees in Egypt are not in school despite being eligible. Experts think a new law may make things worse in a country with stretched budgets. Is the solution to let them work?

It has followed economic reforms closely, explaining policy shifts to the public, assessing outcomes, and contributing to informed discussion when needed

While the Armenian government is hailing the developments around TRIPP and JD Vance's upcoming visit, many wonder whether Moscow will acquiesce so easily as its hold on the region weakens